Kenneth Warren Godwin

Kenneth Warren Godwin, age 58, went to be with his Lord surrounded by family on January 11, 2015. Ken was a native of Raleigh, NC, born in the old Rex Hospital. He was a graduate of Cary High School and received an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering from Wake Technical Community College. While beginning his career in the Engineering field, he soon realized his desire to go back into the Elevator Industry, which is what his Father, Uncle, and two older brothers worked in. It was his passion of working with his hands to repair things that gave him great satisfaction. He joined Godwin Elevator Company and I.U.E.C. Local 80 as a mechanic and soon became V.P. Of Operations in a career that lasted 27 years. His battle with Lymphoma cancer ended his career, although he always strived to get back to work because he felt that it was what made him feel complete.

Ken fought hard and always remained positive with a great outlook in his battle with cancer. He was first diagnosed with the disease in 2010 and was cleared after treatments and returned to work in 2011, until a reoccurrence in 2013 which led to an aggressive approach in treatments, including a bone marrow transplant. He was once again cleared of this disease until a reoccurrence in 2014 and was advised by his doctors to do and say all of the things he ever wanted to, and to travel...which he did to the best of his ability.

He lived his life full of passion and love and always had a contagious smile on his face. He adored his children and his close knit family and friends. Whether in his work or in his family life, he was considered as one who would keep it together and in perspective with a positive approach. He also had a great passion for music which led him to an extensive list of concerts and performances attended over the years, and he loved playing his drums and congas. He spent all of the time that he could at his little slice of heaven on the river at Minnesott Beach...bird watching, fishing, sitting on the porch or walking the beach watching sunrises and sunsets, and taking pictures of all the beauty. He lived his life by his motto, and asked everyone else to as well: Live life, love life, and be thankful for your blessings each and every day.

Ken is preceded in death by his father, H.E. Godwin, Sr.; mother, Grace C. Godwin; and son, Matthew Hisada Godwin.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Valentine Militello; daughter, Anastasia (Stacy) Godwin King (husband Caleb); son, Kenneth (Kent) Godwin, Jr.; stepfamily, Samuel Lemley, Kate Lemley, and Ezra Militello Grubba; brothers, H.E. (Buddy) Godwin, Jr. (wife Annette) and James Godwin; sisters, Sherry Mitchell and Donna Crowder (husband Bob); along with numerous nephews and nieces. Also, the families canine companion, sweet Joy.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Carolina Pines Baptist Church, 2655 South Saunders Street, Raleigh. Family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow services at Montlawn Memorial Park. The Reverend Robert Coats will be officiating the services.

The family suggest that memorials be made to any Cancer Society or Foundation to help fight or find a cure for this dreadful disease.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.thomasfu neral.com

This story was originally published January 13, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Kenneth Warren Godwin."